Posters have been created by police for shops to display to warn customers they reserve the right not to sell flour and eggs to under 18s over Halloween.

There are also police ‘no trick or treat’ posters for people who would rather not be bothered by callers.

Police Community Support Officers have been visiting shops and supermarkets in Bracknell Forest to ask them not to sell the foodstuffs, used to pelt passersby, to anyone they think may use it in an antisocial manner.

Officers have issued advice to parents and young people:

- Parents or a responsible adult should always accompany children to make sure they stay safe;

- Parents should identify neighbours who are willing to have trick or treat calls;

- Make neighbours aware of approximately what time you plan to call;

- Discuss with these neighbours what treats are acceptable;

- Discuss what tricks are acceptable with children;

- Parents should discourage older children (teenagers) from trick or treating – as a rule if they are old enough to trick or treat on their own, they are too old to do it.

Ian Fannon, TV licensing spokesman, said: “TV licensing enquiry officers don’t down tools just because there are ghosts and ghouls about – we’ll be knocking on doors as usual this Halloween and will continue to do so over the winter.”